Alabama-Auburn Rivalry: Will This Year's Iron Bowl Be Another for the Ages?

When Alabama and Auburn take the field against each other, it sparks what is commonly thought as of one of the best rivalries not only in college football, but one of the most bitter in all of sports.

Since the turn of the century, the Iron Bowl has been decided by 10 points or less eight times.

ESPN aired a documentary last night called Roll Tide/War Eagle which explains the significance of this rivalry game in a state with no professional sports but a rabid passion for football.

With that documentary fueling the hype about this year’s battle, the question is will the 2011 Iron Bowl live up to some of the epic matches of yore? Or will it be another 36-0 one-sided beat down?

Even if you love or hate Alabama or Auburn, or have no feelings for either program, it’s always a treat when these teams step on the field.

This year, the game will be played in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn and that will give a nice little advantage to the Tigers, who are having a down year after losing Heisman winner, Iron Bowl legend and national champion Cam Newton to the NFL.

You may remember Newton leading still unbeaten Auburn back from 24-0 in the second quarter to eventually win 28-27 on the road.

He simply eviscerated Nick Saban’s vaunted defense and Newton proved why he is going to be one of the greatest football players we have ever seen.

I just don’t think Auburn has the talent or ability to matchup with a ‘Bama team that is hell bent on winning out the rest of their games this season.

After that disappointing loss to LSU last week, the Crimson Tide needs to win and win big to convince BCS pollsters that they should be the next team in the running for the national championship should someone fall.

I expect this to be a down year for the excitement of the Iron Bowl and an easy Alabama win. They need it after Cam Newton embarrassed them last year.